Why is Mayor Rahm Emanuel now backing out of his prior commitment for Chicago to enter into a consent decree, which would authorize a federal judge and court-appointed monitor to oversee and implement reforms of the Chicago Police Department? In January, following a 13-month investigation, the Department of Justice issued a scathing 161-page report detailing systemic failures within the Police Department involving routine use of excessive force, racial biases, and a history of corruption that has led to a profound lack of trust between the police and many of the city’s residents. At that time, Emanuel stated that the city would pursue a consent decree. At some point since that time, Emanuel changed his mind. Why?

The Chicago Police Department’s long history is scarred by bad cops who have acted aggressively, brutally, and well beyond their authority, which has put the lives of other officers and the residents in the communities they serve in jeopardy. As the DOJ report acknowledges, the trust between the Police Department and the people it serves “has been broken by systems that have allowed CPD officers who violate the law to escape accountability.” The report further advised that “it has never been more important to rebuild trust for the police within Chicago’s neighborhoods most challenged by violence, poverty, and unemployment” and to do so, “Chicago must undergo broad, fundamental reform.” Fundamental reform does not happen overnight, and will not be easy, which is even more reason to remove the process as much as possible from the influence of politics and special interests by authorizing a federal court to control it.

Emanuel has a responsibility to fully explain why he now believes it is in the best interest of the city and its residents to forgo federal oversight of police reforms. The Tribune reported earlier this month that “Emanuel’s office trickled out the news that the mayor no longer was considering the consent decree.” Since that time, Emanuel has failed to explain this change in course. The city’s track record on police reform is quite poor. Emanuel’s track record on transparency and his standing among many of the city’s residents, particularly the African-American and Latino residents who have historically borne the brunt of police misconduct, is not much better. Thus, it is imperative that the mayor step up, be a leader, and explain himself.